"There are other study abroad programs in Siena, and when I walk by groups of them, isolating themselves from the community by speaking English and living in apartments, I smile. They will go home in a few months having lived in Siena. I will go home in a few months having been a part of a community."
- Nate, Lewis and Clark College
Each summer session includes several excursions designed to offer students a varied and meaningful experience of Tuscany and other regions of Italy. During a series of half-day, full-day, and overnight excursions, students might walk through the Tuscan countryside from one unspoiled small town to the next, passing along ancient Roman byways and through woods where locals hunt for mushrooms and gather herbs; visit farms that produce wine, olive oil, and pecorino cheese; relax in one of the region's many natural hot springs; or experience traditional Tuscan festivals, such as Siena’s Medieval festival, Il Palio, held every July 2nd.
The summer sessions also include a 2-day trip to a fascinating, often off-the-beaten path location, such as Bologna, an ancient city that moves to contemporary rhythms and is considered by many to be the Mecca of Italian cuisine; or Padova, site of Giotto's renowned Scrovegni Chapel; or to La Maremma, Tuscany’s coastal region, home to Italy's best-known "cowboys" and a lovely national park with unspoiled beaches. Please note that excursions vary from session to session.
A variety of additional activities are offered to enrich the participants’ experience. Students begin each program with a cooking lesson on traditional Tuscan cuisine. Students will also participate in various seasonal activities and, throughout the summer, there are various cultural activities such as guided museum visits, concerts and opera performances in places such as Siena, Florence, Lucca, and Rome, as well as various other hands-on workshops and lessons. In addition, for students in Siena on July 2nd, the world-famous bareback horse race, Il Palio, takes place.
